I got a ticket for running a red traffic signal in Indiana. I was cutting it pretty close, but I believe I was in the intersection before the light turned red, and also the reason I decided to go instead of stop was because the roads were slick (snowed the day before) and I did not think I could come to a safe stop before the light turned red. It was 2am and there were no other cars on the road, and I had no reason to think my light would change (since they're all connected to sensors), but the cop pulled up to the cross street and my light changed to yellow. If I could have stopped, I would not have made such a left turn in front of a police car, but I was going the posted speed limit of 40mph as I approached the intersection and did not think I could stop.
Unfortunately, when the officer pulled me over, I did not articulate well and mumbled some things about being confused about which lane was the left turn lane (because I was, and there is one intersection in town where the left turn lane is really confusing), but that had nothing to do with the officer giving me the ticket. It was also exam week (I am a law student) and I was very tired (but still alert enough to drive). I would like to fight it. What options do I have?
The ticket also says I have to appear in the traffic office w/in 30 days of my ticket. I will not be back in Indiana until just outside the 30 day window. Does my court date also have to be w/in that 30 days, or can I get some kind of a continuance? I will be getting 3 of my wisdom teeth pulled in early January that will also prevent me from a court date in early January.
Also, am I entitled to see the officer's notes before the court date? Can I request it?
Finally, the race on my ticket is listed as "W" which I am assuming means white. I am Asian, and my name is clearly Asian. Is this anything I can use?

